Proloy Chaki, a prominent Bangladeshi singer and cultural secretary for the Awami League’s Pabna district unit, has died while in state custody at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. The 42-year-old artist passed away Sunday evening despite ongoing medical treatment for multiple chronic conditions.
According to Pabna District Jail Superintendent Omor Faruque, Chaki had been transferred through a multi-stage medical escalation process. Prison medical staff initially referred him to Pabna Sadar Hospital before arranging his urgent transfer to the regional tertiary care facility at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital on Friday night. Official reports indicate the deceased suffered from severe complications related to diabetes, hypertension, and pre-existing cardiac conditions.
Chaki’s arrest occurred during the widespread 2024 government crackdown targeting Awami League members, following student-led protests that culminated in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s exile to India. Multiple criminal cases were filed against the cultural activist during this period of political unrest.
Local media outlets report the family has raised serious allegations regarding medical negligence during Chaki’s incarceration. Jail authorities have formally denied these claims, maintaining that all appropriate medical protocols were followed. The case has drawn attention to treatment standards within Bangladesh’s correctional system during periods of political detention.